Food Science - Fruit and Vegetable Laboratory Renovation

Project phase: Construction

Project background

Michigan State University has the potential to train a significant number of future employees for the food processing industry, but is currently limited in its training capacity due to an outdated laboratory facility.

Project details

The renovated laboratory and associated support space will provide a modern teaching,learning, and research space that will keep pace with the changing demands of the food processing industry and provide the capacity to train the next generation of food processing employees.

Renovations to this laboratory will also increase opportunities for MSU to partner with select community colleges to expand the reach of training opportunities across the State.

Additionally, the renovated laboratory will serve over 700 MSU undergraduate students annually, in at least 12 different courses and three departments.

Project scope

As planning begins, the project is anticipated to include renovations to suites 124 and 217 to provide a modern food processing instructional and research laboratory, including:

new entrance and workflow enhancements

upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

new walk-in coolers and freezers

new locker rooms

new conference room

an interactive classroom

utilities for laboratory equipment

rework of fire alarms

access control

epoxy coating of walls and floors.

Timeline

Construction start: May 2018

Construction end: January 2019

Project budget

$3,500,000, including a $330,000 contingency.

The source of funds for the project is expected to be State of Michigan - Appropriation (Public Act 107 of 2017) and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or debt financing with debt repayment from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.